The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has called for public cooperation by reporting illegally parked vehicles, street vendors, and other road obstructions to help ease traffic flow in the metropolis.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes urged Metro Manilans to take pictures of obstructions on secondary and tertiary roads, then report them to the concerned local government units.
He also encouraged the public to support the campaign by reporting violators through the agency's social media accounts.
The MMDA’'’s Special Operations Group – Strike Force (SOG-SF) is prioritizing clearing operations on the Mabuhay Lanes and other areas identified in the complaints, particularly on several major roads in the National Capital Region.
The Mabuhay Lanes are designated alternative routes in the 23.8-kilometer EDSA and traverse the cities of Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Manila, and Quezon City. These lanes also include secondary roads that lead to popular shopping destinations in the metropolis, such as Baclaran in Parañaque, Greenhills in San Juan, and Divisoria, and Carriedo in Manila.
The SOG-SF team on Wednesday conducted road clearing operations in Quezon City, specifically along Panay Ave., Mother Ignacia, Roces Ave., Sct. Chuatoco St. and Sct. Madriñan St. where 49 illegally parked vehicles were apprehended. Additionally, owners of five vehicles were given citation tickets during a follow-up operation in EDSA Trinoma, Muñoz, and Balintawak, also in Quezon City.
In Caloocan City, 17 cars were also tagged along Tagaytay and Pag-asa streets.
During these operations, makeshift stores, garbage, encroachments, and other obstructions that hindered traffic flow were also cleared away. The MMDA has assured the public that follow-up inspections will be conducted to prevent violators from returning.
Owners of illegally parked vehicles face a P1,000-fine, while unattended vehicles will incur a P2,000-fine. Towed vehicles will be brought to the MMDA's impounding area in Tumana, Marikina City.
Artes reminded traffic enforcers to exercise maximum tolerance when dealing with traffic violators, resolve issues diplomatically, and maintain professionalism in all official interactions.
